enjambment

Enjambment occurs when a sentence or idea in a poem continues beyond the end of one line into the next without a pause or punctuation. It creates a flow that pushes the reader forward, encouraging them to read across line breaks to grasp the full meaning. This technique adds rhythm, tension, or emphasis, making the poem feel more dynamic and keeping the reader engaged. Enjambment contrasts with end-stopped lines, which conclude ideas at the line's end with punctuation. Overall, it’s a craft that influences how a poem’s rhythm and meaning unfold.